Thank you Peggy.

"If wishes were flowers, your arms would be full" is the lovely sentiment written on the back of this card from Peggy who hails from the east coast of the USA, quite near to a place I where I lived for a year in the 1970's. It adds another layer of interest to the connection with people when you can visualize their surroundings and lifestyle and bring back your own memories of the place. It is astounding also that we are connected by a hitherto unknown (to us) Japanese art form, as Peggy says on her card, "how wonderful is the world!"

Arigato Patricia.

Something to delight my irises is an iris (messenger of the gods in Greek mythology) from Patricia a relative newcomer to the Etegami Fun Club but a most enthusiastic participant.
Patricia used watercolour paper and still managed to get a 'nijimi effect'.
The card is a result of a visit to an iris farm and a worthy memorial.
Thank you Patricia.

Two more cards!

Fumiko has responded to my card featuring her dog Tororo in a kimono and Shungo has sent a gorgeous card commemorating this years Cherry blossom display in Japan
Unfortunately Shungo's card was damaged in the mail and the corner has been torn off. I was really sad because it is a masterpiece in miniature, the trunk of the tree has such a bold calligraphic line. I have a card done by Shungo last year when the cherry blossoms were out, done in a similar style and equally as lovely so I will substitute that in the exhibition. Thank you Shungo.

Fumiko's card features the carp windsocks flown on children's day in Japan, it is so colourful and full of meaning. Fumiko says she cannot sketch but I think we can be sure that is just her modesty talking as this is very accomplished. Thank you Fumiko.

More "hospital etegami".

Blogger is being silly today or maybe I exceeded my limit on photos but I have had to split up the post...so onward and upward!
A surprise card from Yun in France who talks to the flowers! Thank you Yun, lovely to get a card from you.

Fumiko and her trusty sidekick Tororo have sent me a whole bunch of cards one of which will strike a chord with the patients in the hospital, Tororo delivering flowers and good wishes to anyone feeling poorly.

Thank you Fumiko! (and Tororo)

Mayumi has sent two of her delicately coloured cards to celebrate Spring, Thank you Mayumi.

Welcome!

I'm happy that I can start this blog with a card from my 'oldest' correspondent and sensei Debbie.
The mixed media card illustrates a poem by Misuzu Kaneko (1903-1930),

A Huge Haul
By the glow of sunrise,
the fishing boats brought in a huge haul.
Of sardines they had a huge haul.
On shore, the village celebrates with a festival.
In the sea, the sardines hold a funeral for tens of thousands of their mates.

 

The second card is from one of my newest friends, Mayumi Miyagawa who has sent me this wonderfully luscious strawberry . I can only imagine that this is a celebration of summer, perhaps Mayumi could comment and give us a translation?